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1947-2014 (Archived)

And Sikh Coalition has asked that US citizens become participants/advocates for the cause. See the email I received below. Then make a phone call following the advocacy blueprint that Sikh Coalition has prepared.Step 1 - Read to Understand!

Headline: More Congressional Support Required to End Army's Sikh Ban

Byline: Success Depends on Community Action

Body: (Washington DC) July 22, 2009 - Members of Congress have now agreed to sign on to a letter calling on the US Army to end its policy of excluding Sikh Americans from military service.

To be blunt: We need more members of congress to sign onto the letter to the army to make a real impact.

As we write, a team of a dozen Sikh Coalition staff members and pro bono supporters from the law firm of Mcdermott, Will and Emery are walking the halls of Congress. While they have visited 108 Congressional offices in the last 2 days, they need you to also contact your Member of Congress to deepen their impact.

During the Phone Conference
1. Introduce yourself clearly and state that you are a constituent

2. Briefly describe the issue:

* These Sikh soldiers are being asked to compromise between their religion and their wish to serve our nation* Unshorn hair and the turban are mandated by the Sikh faith* Sikh Americans have served valiantly in the U.S. Armed Forces for generations – through WWI, WWII, and Vietnam* Sikhs have been able to serve in other nations’ armed forces without cutting their hair or removing their turban without hindering safety requirements or personal performance* According to the 1987 Congressional Record, Congress intended for the DoD to allow Sikhs to serve, but that hasn't happened under the existing regulations

3. Do not divert from talking about Sikhs serving in the military

4. Let them know that in order to participate in the Congressional sign-on letter, they must contact offices of either of the following lawmakers: Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney or Rodney Frelingheysen

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